Kirkland Performance Center set to rock audiences at annual benefit concert

KPC’s All Star House Band plays classic rock anthems at “We Will Rock You” benefit concert on April 6.

By Madison Miller • April 2, 2019 8:30 am

The Kirkland Performance Center (KPC) is set to rock local audiences on April 6 for its third annual benefit concert.

“We Will Rock You” is a two-hour live rock show starring the KPC All Star House Band, comprised of Geoffrey Castle and members of Creme Tangerine. This is KPC’s third benefit concert, however, it’s changed this year. The past two years, KPC executive director Jeff Lockhart said the benefit concert was called “Come Together” in honor of the Beatles’ song. The past concerts primarily performed classic Beatles’ songs.

This year, Lockhart wanted to do something different.

“We decided to play our favorite rock anthems,” he said. “Expect to hear all the big rock anthems we all know and love like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and many more.”

Each year, all proceeds go toward supporting KPC. All performers are volunteering for the concert. Lockhart said he hopes ticket sales will raise $20,000.

“We’ve been able to hit that goal in past years and I hope we can this year,” he said.

Castle has been a long-time performer and supporter of KPC. He said he was flattered when he was asked to participate.

“Everyone is donating their time. That’s how we feel about this place,” he said. “Plus, I’m totally stoked about playing the violin solo on ‘Baba O’Reilly’ by The Who.”

Each ticket sold to “We Will Rock You” helps raise money for KPC to continue to be a valuable showplace for music on the Eastside, Castle said.

“It’s a community treasure with such a reputation for excellence up and down the entire West Coast that it attracts acts like Don Felder of the Eagles, Macy Gray, Mark Cohn, and on and on,” he said. “The more Kirkland supports this theater, both financially and by coming to shows throughout the season, the more KPC can do to bring jaw-dropping entertainment to our town and continue to build Kirkland’s reputation nationally.”

For Lockhart, he said planning the annual concert is one of the highlights throughout the year.

“Honest to God, I love it,” he said. “I feel so lucky to do this show and play my favorite music with my friends.”

At the show, there will be also be a raffle for $20 (cash only) in the lobby. Two winners will be called on stage to play the cowbell during the show.

Tickets are $75. VIP tickets are $150. For more information about the show or to purchase tickets, visit www.kpcenter.org/event/we-will-rock-you.